December 2, 2011

Recently, while attending the Sacred Craft expo in Del Mar, I was very fortunate to meet (among many other RAD folks) the fellas from Sustainable Surf. These guys are doing some really great things to green up an industry that has made a habit out of using toxic chemicals, cheap labor and materials to cultivate a culture that is too heavy in consumption and waste. Now we have all seen the “green” marketing campaigns that are becoming all too cliche, so to come across a non-profit group that is combining awareness with ACTION is certainly refreshing! Sustainable Surf works with key players within the surfing industry to dramatically improve the environmental performance of their products and services. In parallel, Sustainable Surf engages surfing consumers with innovative campaigns around sustainable surfing products, and educates surfers about the lifestyle choices that can further lower their impacts on the ocean environment.

The project that we have been so stoked to work with them on is the greening of the Rip Curl Pro Search SF in November 2011. Just 2 weeks ago, we picked up nearly 10,000 square feet of banners from the Rip Curl facility…all from the one contest in SF! Why you ask? Well Rip Curl is buying back 225 bags ranging from mesh beach totes to laptop sleeves to day bags made with the banners, but there is plenty more material. If you would like to own a piece of Ke11y history, support a good cause & get a quality bag all at the same time, this is a great opportunity for you! TPP and Progress brand protection are sending 15% of our online retail profits to Sustainable Surf for the rest of 2011. Please don’t hesitate! You deserve a great bag & Sustainable Surf deserves our support.

Waste to Waves is Sustainable Surf’s newest project and it is awesome! This holiday season, don’t even think about throwing away your EPS foam packaging! The stuff we’re talking about is the rigid foam used for packaging…the kind that breaks into little pellet looking pieces. That’s the same stuff that surfboards are made with! Now, thanks to Sustainable Surf & more than 30 retailers in California including Eco Board Works, you have a place to take this otherwise un-recyclable foam! Please go to Waste to Waves to find a drop off location near you!

April 28, 2011

In our Etsy [dot-com] shop, there is a forum for customers to share their thoughts about their TPP Progress brand pieces. Today, I thought it would be nice to share some of that feedback with you…

dustinwcc says:
“After receiving my Progress Project iPad sleeve, I can say that I have never used my iPad more. Your product compliments technology in every way; style, protection, and convenience. I even use the side pocket to carry my iPhone. I would recommend your products to anyone looking [for] the best in innovative mobile product protection. In gratitude and appreciation, Dustin Brown”

maisonboutique says:
“I love my new tote! What a great idea to recycle old signage. It’s perfect for a shopping tote or a gym bag – I just received it today and already using it. I will be back to shop again soon. PS: Can’t beat the prices!”

JennJenn1984 says:
“What an AWESOME bag!!! Well put together and artistically BEAUTIFUL to look at! In one day I have had 8 people ask me where I got it! BUY ONE TODAY! YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!”

Every TPP Progress brand bag or accessory has unique colors & graphics. To see what we have available right now, click the “where to buy” tab or go to http://www.progressproject.etsy.com.

April 10, 2011

Recently We sold a piece to Niamh Scott of http://www.FruitofTheSoul.org. That’s rad all by itself, but it gets better! She loves her Recycled Billboard Messenger Bag so much that she invited us to participate in her art show that benefits her foundation. What a great experience! Not only did we sell some stuff, we met some really cool people. Check out Eric Wixon, a local artist @ http://www.ericwixon.com.

January 27, 2011

The Progress Project is a family owned and operated business that creates all types of bags and accessories from reclaimed advertising billboards and banners.

Since our inception, The Progress Project has been committed to finding creative and eco-friendly ways to re-use billboard vinyl material. By “Up-Cycling” this material we have kept thousands of pounds of material from ever reaching the landfill. Equally important, by re-using this vinyl for alternative applications –like messenger bags, surfboard bags, laptop sleeves, tote bags, and more – you can lower your carbon footprint and help the environment.

Re-using this material does the following:

Eliminates demand for new raw material

Eliminates huge amounts of energy necessary for manufacturing new product

Eliminates additional pollution and waste associated with new manufacturing